Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Agroecosystems

472pp  ISBN 0849310679      £69.00

• Exposes the clash of reductionist methods vs. the complexity of actual systems
• Applies complex system theory to the study of agroecosystems
• Provides new vocabulary and explanations resulting from the epistemological issues raised by complexity
• Introduces the concepts of Multi-Scale Mosaic Effect, Impredicative Loop Analysis, and Surfing Complex Time
• Details how changes in societal metabolism affect the ecological context of agriculture
• Explains benchmarking within Integrated Analysis

Ecologists, agronomists, and others who may question the validity of current models for determining sustainable growth of agroecosystems, need a new set of analytical tools that more effectively address the complex nature of related processes. Those who challenge traditional assumptions of optimization and static factors in agricultural modeling demand new methods beyond differential equations and traditional statistical tests.

Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Agroecosystems explores alternative ways to study agricultural sustainability, presenting new approaches to organizing data and applying complex systems theory to actual cases. This innovative text recognizes the changing dynamics of the multiple processes and cross-relations within an environment, proposing a clearer analysis of agroecosystems than that which can be provided by rigid, reductionist methods.

Main concepts, new vocabulary and narratives, and practical examples open the book, followed by technical chapters that provide a more detailed explanation of concepts. The final section of the book presents a tool kit based on these concepts, resulting in strong support of empirical observations that challenge traditional notions regarding the sustainability of farming systems, food systems, and agroecosystems.

Contents

SCIENCE FOR GOVERNANCE: THE CLASH OF REDUCTIONISM AGAINST THE COMPLEXITY OF REALITY
The Crash of Reductionism Against the Complexity of Reality
The Epistemological Predicament Entailed by Complexity
Complex System Thinking: New Concepts and Narratives
The New Terms of Reference for Science for Governance: Post-Normal Science
Integrated Assessment of Agroecosystems and Multi-Criteria Analysis: Basic Definitions and Challenges

COMPLEX SYSTEMS THINKING: DARING TO VIOLATE BASIC TABOOS OF REDUCTIONISM
Forget About the Occam Razor: Looking for Multi-Scale Mosaic Effects (with Kozo Mayumi)
Impredicative Loop Analysis: Dealing with Chicken-Egg processes (with Kozo Mayumi)
Sustainability Requires the Ability of Generating Useful Narratives Capable of Surfing in Complex Time (with Kozo Mayumi)

COMPLEX SYSTEMS THINKING IN ACTION: MULTI-SCALE INTEGRATED ANALYSIS OF AGRO-ECOSYSTEMS
Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis Agroecosystems: Bridging Disciplinary Gaps and Hierarchical Levels
Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis Agroecosystems: "Technological Changes" and Ecological Compatibility
Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Farming Systems: Benchmarking and Tailoring Representations Across Levels (with Tiziano Gomiero)

To find similar publications, click on a keyword below:
CRC Press : Summer 2004 : agriculture & forestry : analytical methods : ecology : sustainable agriculture